3S. JUST IN: Jelly Roll Teases Unreleased Song “Thorns” — And It’s a Raw Love Letter to the Woman Who Saved Him
Jelly Roll has never been afraid to show the world who he loves — or why. But this time, he didn’t do it through an interview or a red-carpet quote. He did it through a song that hasn’t even been released yet.
The genre-blending artist recently surprised fans by sharing a short snippet of a brand-new track titled “Thorns.” The song appeared quietly in the background of a deeply personal social media post dedicated to his wife, Bunnie XO, in honor of her birthday. What followed wasn’t just a celebration — it was a public acknowledgment of the woman Jelly Roll credits with changing his life.
“Today we celebrate you, baby,” Jelly wrote, before launching into a powerful tribute. He described Bunnie as “a woman who spends her entire life celebrating everyone else,” someone who encourages, inspires, and stands up for what’s right — even when it’s uncomfortable. He didn’t stop there.
“A woman who is fearless,” he added.
“A woman who is bold.”
Jelly continued by praising Bunnie for lifting other women up and for being brave enough to share her own testimony publicly. “It is said that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the power of our testimony,” he wrote, signaling how deeply faith has become woven into his worldview. He went on to call meeting Bunnie “arguably the most life-changing moment I ever had,” describing her as the foundation of their family — “the single human that turns this house into a home.”
The post ended simply: “I love you endlessly. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.”
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO met in 2015 and married the following year, and they’ve never pretended their relationship was easy. Over the years, they’ve openly discussed some of the most painful chapters of their lives — from their fight to gain custody of Jelly’s daughter, Bailee Ann, to Jelly’s own infidelity, which he addressed candidly in a 2025 interview.
Still, their bond has endured.
After a particularly difficult period last year, it was Bailee who surprised them both with a prom-night celebration for Jelly’s birthday — a symbolic moment, given that neither Jelly nor Bunnie ever experienced prom themselves. It was one of many quiet reminders of how far their family has come.
That emotional weight carries directly into “Thorns.”
The unreleased song plays over a tender video clip showing Jelly and Bunnie embracing on the edge of a bed — intimate, unguarded, real. Over a stripped-down, guitar-driven arrangement, Jelly reflects on his flaws and the darkness he’s known, framing Bunnie as the grounding force that gave his life balance and meaning.
“Every thorn has its rose,” he sings, using vivid imagery to describe redemption, resilience, and love found after loss. He admits he once believed he’d always be alone — until he wasn’t.
Fans are already speculating that “Thorns” may be a preview of Jelly Roll’s upcoming album. The artist has hinted that his next project could be built around a central concept, and in recent months he’s spoken openly about faith, healing, and the freedom he’s found through his fitness journey.
Given the spiritual undertones of “Thorns” — and his powerful collaboration with Brandon Lake on “Hard Fought Hallelujah” — many suspect Jelly may be leaning into a more gospel-influenced direction.
With his last album, Beautifully Broken, earning widespread acclaim and a 2026 Grammy nomination, expectations are high. But if “Thorns” is any indication, Jelly Roll isn’t chasing hits this time.
He’s telling the truth — even when it hurts.
